Walker and Ryan Are Dropped As Jets Move in New Direction

By FRANK LITSKY

Published: April 13, 1990

The Jets, who have a new coach and new general manager, will have a new look on the field, too. Yesterday, they cut loose 34-year-old Wesley Walker, their outstanding wide receiver for his 13 pro seasons, and 34-year-old Pat Ryan, their mostly backup quarterback for his 12 pro seasons.

Both players were unprotected in the recent Plan B free-agency period. Neither received an offer from any of the National Football League's other 27 teams. Last month, the Washington Redskins talked to Ryan about becoming their No. 3 quarterback and worked him out, then signed Jeff Rutledge of the Giants instead. Last season, Walker earned $770,000, Ryan $700,000.

The Jets said they did not intend to re-sign Walker, Phillip Epps and Michael Harper, all wide receivers. They waived Ryan. All four players are free to sign with other teams and the new teams do not have to compensate the Jets.

The team also placed 34-year-old Dan Alexander on their reserve retired list. Alexander, who played 13 seasons for the team, had announced his retirement.

Offers to Dressel and Howard

The Jets said they would make qualifying offers to retain Chris Dressel, a tight end, and Carl Howard, a cornerback, each with six years in the league. Each player can sign with the Jets by April 30 for 100 percent of his 1989 salary. If he does not, the Jets retain negotiating rights, but can negotiate for a higher or a lower salary.

Walker was a Pro Bowl player in 1978 and 1982. With his great speed, he has always been a deep threat as a pass receiver. He caught 438 passes for 8,306 yards and 71 touchdowns. Only Don Maynard, a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, had higher figures with the Jets.

Last season, an ankle injury limited Walker to six games, including three starts. He caught only 8 passes for 89 yards.

''We informed Wesley that we thought he should retire for medical reasons,'' said Steve Gutman, the Jets' president.

'A Whole New Direction'

Walker played 154 games and started 130. Ryan played 151 and started only 19. Last season, Ryan injured a knee in the preseason and was active for only seven games, starting one. For his career, he completed 354 of 631 passes for 4,218 yards, 31 touchdowns and 31 interceptions.

''The Jets are building and going in a whole new direction,'' Ryan said, ''so I don't have any animosity. I want to keep playing at least another year. I believe I've got something to offer somebody.''

Bruce Coslet, the Jets' new head coach, and Dick Steinberg, the new general manager, will take the team to training camp with four veteran quarterbacks: Ken O'Brien, Tony Eason, Kyle Mackey and a newly signed free agent, Brent Snyder. With the loss of Walker, Epps and Harper, the remaining wide receivers are Al Toon, JoJo Townsell, Chris Burkett and three new free agents: Glenn Antrum, Carl Parker and Grantis Bell.